Chapter 82

At first, the audience had been charmed by Paola's performance. But after they heard Rylie's version,murmurs spread through the crowd as more discerning ears began to notice the difference.

"The gap is staggering. You can tell the pieces aren't the same at all. She nailed every pause and shift.Rylie's performance felt alive."

"Paola's version sounds like a watered-down copy."

"No wonder it didn't sit right with me earlier."

Spencer stopped caring about how this would affect Paola's image. He slapped the armrest in excitement."That's it! That's the spark l've been looking for! No wonder something felt off. This version is exactly what the scene needs!"

The moment the final note vanished into the air, the room fell silent. Then applause thundered through the hall.

Rylie stood with quiet poise. She leaned toward Paola and whispered softly, "When you took my sheet music, you didn't realize I had made subtle changes. You didn't even know what you were copying." She tilted her head. "And you still have the nerve to call yourself a musician."

Her voice stayed low. The exchange stayed between them. But Paola's face turned ghostly. Her hands shook. The truth hit her like a wave. All her careful preparation had just been ripped apart by Rylie. Her big moment was ruined.

Trying not to fall apart, Paola forced a tight smile. She held the microphone and tried to sound composed."Rylie, I must say-your playing was wonderful. Truly impressive." She paused. "But may l ask-why did you play the original version | wrote?"

Her tone changed. She was trying to claw back whatever pride she had left.r. Aguilar's film hasn't come out yet. That piece wasn't supposed to be heard in full. I made slight changes so the full version wouldn't leak.How did you.know how it was meant to sound?"

Rylie's brow lifted. She was taken aback that Paola stilI had the gall to push the blame in her direction.

Marcus' brows drew together as he stared at Paola. Her remarks hinted that Rylie had stolen the music she'd just performed. That didn't sit well with him.

He was about to speak up when Rylie took the microphone from Paola. She gave a faint smile and turned to Spencer. "So, that's how it is? If what Paola said is true, she must have given you the final version? Then why did you look so surprised just now?"

Spencer didn't know what to say. The version Paola had submitted was the same one she had played earlier -Paola hadn't made any adjustments. They had finalized it weeks ago. Now that she suddenly changed her story, it made the whole thing suspicious.

Should he defend her? His name had already been tied to Paola's arrangement. If she were exposed to have copied someone else's work or been dishonest, that could damage his film. Audiences were picky. A single scandal could ruin everything.

After a quick mental calculation, Spencer made his decision. He was going to say that he was unaware when Paola suddenly interjected, "I haven't informed Mr. Aguilar yet. This was mainly for promotional purposes."

Rylie gave a soft laugh that peeled away whatever pride Paola had left. "You really didn't think this through.If you're going to steal, at least check for cameras first."

She reached into her pocket, pulled out her phone, and handed it to her cousin. She kept her voice low."Have a look. Can you explain what you're doing in my bedroom?"

Paola stared at the screen. The footage was clear. The camera had caught her lifting the music, and even the notes on the sheet could be seen.

Her face twisted in panic. "Rylie, are you insane? You actually installed a camera in your own room?"

Who would do such a thing? Rylie would. She always went against expectations.

With a flick of her fingers, she tucked her hair behind one ear and smiled. "It's my room. I can put in whatever | want."

The two stood far from the crowd, speaking in hushed tones. The microphones remained untouched, but anyone watching could tell something was wrong. Paola's eyes were wide. Her lips trembled. It was clear they were arguing.

Marcus noticed the shift in the room and walked toward them. Rylie handed him the phone. He glanced at the screen. After a few seconds, he turned to Paola. "So that's why the music sounded off. You copied her work and blamed her?"

Paola's breath caught. She tried to recover, but her voice quivered. "Please, Marcus, let's talk about this later. Don't tell them. Please. I didn't mean to... Just don't let the audience find out. I'Il explain everything."

If that video got out, she wouldn't recover from it. Her image would shatter.

Marcus didn't respond right away. He turned to his sister. "Rylie, what do you want to do?"

Rylie gave a quiet smile. "This is a family matter. If we handle it here, it'll only bring shame to us. Let's take care of it later, as she asked. Could you tell the guests something to settle the room?"

He nodded slowly, moved by how patient she remained. "You must have been like this when living with the Kirks. That's why they always walked all over you," he said.

Rylie tilted her head, the smile on her face carrying weight. "I didn't stay quiet this time. I did call her out,didn't l? This might not have been laid out piece by piece, but anyone with sense should know what happened here tonight."

Marcus, who wasn't easily fooled, caught on quickly to what she meant.

He turned to the audience and spoke with grace. "Everyone, I apologize for the interruption. What happened was just a family matter. I'll personally discuss the arrangement with Mr.Aguilar."

With a formal bow, he added, "Now, please let me present the final piece."

A hush settled over the room, thick with unease. Marcus had offered a way forward, but even so, it was clear to all what he had truly meant.

Off to the side, Paola stood motionless. Her gown clung to her skin, soaked with sweat. She noticed the glances from the crowd and briefly considered pretending to faint.

Before she could make her move, Rylie stepped in. She placed a steady hand on her waist. "You'd better not fall, Paola. It would be such a shame if you hurt that face."

That comment alone was enough to jolt her upright. Paola held her posture, though her hands trembled at her sides.

Spencer exited the room in a rush. His jaw was tight as he muttered into his phone, "Pull the theme song right now. I don't care. It's the one Paola gave us."

Rylie walked back to her seat with calm steps. As she passed Brad, his voice rose just loud enough for her to hear. "You're really going to let her get away with it?"

She kept her eyes forward but answered smoothly, "Of course not." Her voice dropped low. "Take a look around. Everyone's recording. These days, there's no such thing as keeping a family matter private."